FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2020
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2019
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sue Christiansen, RTC, (702) 676-1891 office, [email protected]
Catherine Lu, RTC, (702) 676-1788 office
RTC selected for $160,000 federal grant to help combat human trafficking
Click to Tweet: In partnership with @FirstMedNevada and @UNLV, @RTCSNV gets $160,000 grant from @FTA_DOT to fund public safety campaign combatting human trafficking. Nevada ranks 7th in number of trafficking cases reported by state. #RTCSNV
LAS VEGAS – The Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) will receive a $160,000 Innovations in Transit Public Safety Grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) that will support a number of local, state and regional efforts to combat human trafficking.
The RTC submitted the grant application in partnership with FirstMed, a federally qualified health center that offers comprehensive trauma-informed, wraparound services and assistance to crime victims. The $160,000 will allow the RTC to create a training program led by local law enforcement for bus drivers and transit ambassadors to better identify the signs of human trafficking, designate safe places for victims to receive assistance, and help victims reach a safe haven where they can receive services including emergency housing, medical and behavioral healthcare support, and victim advocacy.
“Traffickers often take advantage of the anonymity that public transportation systems provide to move victims and conduct illegal activities,” said U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). “This funding will help both RTC of Southern Nevada employees and public transit riders around Las Vegas identify victims, deter traffickers and reduce crime. I’ll always fight for federal funding that helps keep Nevadans safe.”
Additionally, the RTC will engage in a public awareness campaign in January 2021 to coincide with National Human Trafficking Awareness month. Campaign elements will highlight information positioned throughout the transit system, including wrapped transit vehicles highlighting anti-human trafficking efforts, notifications at transit shelters and facilities, and brochures at RTC properties.
“Transportation systems are often key points for identifying victims and getting them to safety,” said RTC CEO MJ Maynard. “We believe this campaign will lead to more human trafficking victims being identified, found and brought to safety.”
The National Human Trafficking Hotline ranked Nevada seventh in the number of trafficking cases reported by state. Since 2007, the National Sex Trafficking Hotline has received more than 2,200 calls pertaining to Nevada, leading to more than 1,200 trafficking victims identified, including children.
The RTC, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), and FirstMed will track the progress of these efforts and provide reports of lessons learned for other transit authorities and community stakeholders seeking to advance similar initiatives.
The total project cost is $200,000. Local funds will supplement the additional $40,000.
About the RTC
The RTC is the transit authority, transportation planning organization, regional traffic management agency and administrator of Southern Nevada Strong, the regional planning effort for the Las Vegas valley. The RTC's vision is to provide a safe, convenient and effective regional transportation system that enhances mobility and air quality for citizens and visitors. The RTC encourages residents and visitors to use a variety of transportation choices to help reduce traffic congestion, clean the air and improve the quality of life in Southern Nevada. For more information about the RTC and its major initiatives or to download its transit app rideRTC, visit rtcsnv.com and stay informed by subscribing to our blog.
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About the RTC
The RTC is the regional authority overseeing public transit, metropolitan planning, roadway funding, traffic management, and the public bike share system. The RTC’s vision is to advance regionally transformative mobility solutions through equitable, innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. The RTC’s mission is to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable planning, collaborative problem-solving, and safe and equitable transportation service. For more information about the RTC and our major initiatives or to download the rideRTC app, visit rtcsnv.com. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog or following us on social media.
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